swaddle

verb

swad·​dle ˈswä-dᵊl How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
swaddled; swaddling
ˈswäd-liŋ,
ˈswä-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce swaddle (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to wrap (an infant) with swaddling clothes
b
: envelop, swathe
legs swaddled in bandages
2
: restrain, restrict
marriage … swaddled him in a domesticity he came to loatheNina Auerbach

Examples of swaddle in a Sentence

He swaddled the baby in a blanket.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At least the Silverado EV LT kept me swaddled in comfort for the drive, with roomy seats, large screens, a cavernous center console and also GM’s impressive Super Cruise hands-free driving system. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The photo showed her newborn swaddled in a blanket covered in mini candies. Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Sure, some grandmothers can bake a mean cookie, crochet blankets that could swaddle a small country, or know their way around a jigsaw puzzle. Ew Staff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025 The image of an infant wearing a white outfit and swaddled in a pink blanket looked much like that was taken by Princess Beatrice's husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and released by Buckingham Palace to announce Athena's birth in January. Janine Henni, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swaddle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English swadelen, swathelen, probably alteration of swedelen, swethelen, from swethel swaddling band, from Old English; akin to Old English swathian to swathe

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of swaddle was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swaddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swaddle. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

swaddle

verb
swad·​dle ˈswäd-ᵊl How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
swaddled; swaddling ˈswäd-liŋ How to pronounce swaddle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: to wrap an infant with swaddling clothes

More from Merriam-Webster on swaddle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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